cryptogram
noun
cryp·to·gram ˈkrip-tə-ˌgram 
1
: a communication in cipher or code
2
: a figure or representation having a hidden significance
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Each time a chip card is used, the card itself computes a secret value (known as a cryptogram) that is sent to the issuer of the card, who can use it to validate that the actual physical card was used in the transaction. 
Rui Ribeiro, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Each letter also included one-third of a 408-symbol cryptogram that the suspect said would reveal his identity. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 Dec. 2020 One of the most alarming pieces of evidence that Stewart uncovered was actually finding his dad’s name in one of the Zodiac Killer’s infamous cryptograms. Rachel Paige, refinery29.com, 6 Mar. 2020 He was dubbed the Zodiac Killer because some of his cryptograms included astrological symbols and references. The Sacramento Bee, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2018 Her mastery of the English language was apparent by her swift, accurate solutions to crossword, jumble and cryptogram puzzles. Hartford Courant, courant.com, 30 Apr. 2018 The Zodiac Killer fatally stabbed or shot to death five people in Northern California in 1968 and 1969, then sent taunting letters and cryptograms to the police and newspapers. Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, 24 May 2018 The Zodiac Killer fatally stabbed or shot to death five people in Northern California in 1968 and 1969, and their killer sent taunting letters and cryptograms to the police and newspapers. The Sacramento Bee, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2018 The killer sent taunting letters and cryptograms to the police and newspapers. kansascity, 13 Jan. 2018 See More
Rui Ribeiro, Forbes, 8 Aug. 2022 Each letter also included one-third of a 408-symbol cryptogram that the suspect said would reveal his identity. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 12 Dec. 2020 One of the most alarming pieces of evidence that Stewart uncovered was actually finding his dad’s name in one of the Zodiac Killer’s infamous cryptograms. Rachel Paige, refinery29.com, 6 Mar. 2020 He was dubbed the Zodiac Killer because some of his cryptograms included astrological symbols and references. The Sacramento Bee, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2018 Her mastery of the English language was apparent by her swift, accurate solutions to crossword, jumble and cryptogram puzzles. Hartford Courant, courant.com, 30 Apr. 2018 The Zodiac Killer fatally stabbed or shot to death five people in Northern California in 1968 and 1969, then sent taunting letters and cryptograms to the police and newspapers. Keri Blakinger, Houston Chronicle, 24 May 2018 The Zodiac Killer fatally stabbed or shot to death five people in Northern California in 1968 and 1969, and their killer sent taunting letters and cryptograms to the police and newspapers. The Sacramento Bee, BostonGlobe.com, 3 May 2018 The killer sent taunting letters and cryptograms to the police and newspapers. kansascity, 13 Jan. 2018 See More Word History
Etymology
crypto- + -gram, after cryptograph, cryptography
First Known Use
1827, in the meaning defined at sense 1